12th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140081250 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERSONAL SKIN TREATMENT - Disclosed is a skin treatment device for personal use. The device includes an optical radiation providing module operating in pulsed or continuous operation mode, a mechanism for continuously displacing the device across the skin, and a device displacement speed monitoring arrangement. When the device is applied to skin, the optical pulses repetition rate establishes the power of the optical radiation as a function of the device displacement speed. The device a hair removal mechanism configured to mechanically remove hair from the treated segment of the skin. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081251 | METHOD AND APARATUS FOR SKIN REDUCTION - A method for reducing human or animal tissue includes making a plurality of excisions to collectively form a patch of tissue to be reduced, instead of making a single large excision in the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. The treated regions of tissue may be arranged such that a total area of all removed tissue segments taken in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the patch changes gradually along said axis. The removed regions of tissue may be navicular in shape, and the patches may be navicular in shape in the event an elongated excision is made. The removal of tissue regions can be realized by proper treatment methods such as incisions and laser treatment. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081252 | TISSUE SLITTING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081253 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LASER ABLATION UNDER ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE - A method and apparatus for performing minimally-invasive image-guided laser ablation of targeted region within a tissue or organ comprising the following: A guidance tool that can guide laser source to a predefined target region from a planning image; A controller that can control energy from laser source, duration of its application and dosage of energy from laser source; and a computer with software that can compute thermometry based on precise location and duration of application or dosage of the laser source. The computer receives signal from controller and can control or shut-off laser energy. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081254 | COOLED MICROWAVE DENERVATION - A device and method is disclosed for creating a lesion in adventitia tissue of a renal artery and/or a region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue while protecting intima and media tissue of the renal artery from injury. A catheter carrying a microwave antenna is positioned within the renal artery. Cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna in thermal contact with the intima of the renal artery. Power is supplied to the microwave antenna to cause microwave energy to be emitted omnidirectionally from the microwave antenna. The power supplied to the microwave antenna and the cooling fluid circulated around the microwave antenna are controlled to cause the adventitia tissue and/or the region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue to be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal damage while the intima and media tissue are maintained at a temperature where thermal damage does not occur. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081255 | Method and Apparatuses for Tissue Treatment - Disclosed in the present application are devices for localized delivery of energy and methods of using such devices, particularly for therapeutic treatment of biological tissues. The disclosed devices may contain one or more energy delivery members. The disclosed methods may involve positioning and deploying the energy delivery members in a target site, and delivering energy through the energy delivery members. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081256 | PORTABLE ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - In contrast to instruments of the prior art that require bulky, cumbersome and/or costly electrical connections and energy sources, instruments designed in accordance with the instant disclosure are both portable and self-powered. The electrosurgical instruments of the present invention are not limited to a particular use or construction and can be adapted for operation with or without a patient return electrode (sometimes referred to as return pad or plate), in dry or wet fields, in the presence of bodily fluids (such as blood saliva and more), electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids. They may further be optionally equipped or configured for irrigation and or aspiration of liquids, gases or cryogenics, either external, remote or on-board. The electrode component of the electrosurgical instrument of the present invention may be monopolar, bipolar, or multipolar and may optionally include one or more floating electrodes. The electrosurgical instruments of the present invention may be single use (disposable) or multi-use (reusable) and can be compatible with various image-guiding systems, like fluoroscopic, ultrasound and others. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081257 | BLADDER DENERVATION FOR TREATING OVERACTIVE BLADDER - A device and method for transvaginal or transrectal treatment of a bladder pathology. The device includes an elongate body that includes a longitudinal axis, a handle at one end of the body, a head at the other end of the body, and a shaft between the handle and the head. The head includes a substantially flat surface and one or more retractable needle electrodes extending through the flat surface. The method includes inserting a probe into a vagina or rectum of a patient, where the probe includes a head portion comprising one or more retractable needle electrodes; heating one or more pelvic nerves supplying the patient's bladder by emitting radiofrequency energy from the one or more needle electrodes; and as a result of the heating, damaging the one or more pelvic nerves. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081258 | Template system and methods - Template systems and methods for various procedures (e.g., tissue ablation procedures) are disclosed. An exemplary template system comprises a track having at least one suction port. The at least one suction port anchors the track to a tissue after the track is positioned adjacent a target area. The template system may further comprise a transducer operatively associated with the track. Exemplary transducers include imaging transducers and ablating transducers. The transducer is guided by the track adjacent the target area while the transducer is moved along the track for a procedure. One or more umbilical may provide a conduit to the track and/or transducer so that the template system may be positioned in a patient's body (e.g., for a procedure on the patient's heart) and operated remotely by a physician or other user from outside of the patient's body. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081259 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081260 | Cool RF Electrode - A system and method for applying energy, particularly radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy, to a living body can be used in tissue ablation. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081261 | SELF-POSITIONING ELECTRODE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RENAL NERVE MODULATION - Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including an elongated shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The system may include an expandable frame having one or more electrodes positioned on or about the frame. An actuation assembly including a biasing element, a central shaft, and a piston may be configured to provide for controlled expansion of the expandable frame. The system may further include a control element for controlling the actuation assembly. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081262 | NEARFIELD ULTRASOUND ECHOGRAPHY MAPPING - Various embodiments concern delivering an ablation therapy to different areas of the cardiac tissue and, for each of the areas, sensing an ultrasound signal with at least one ultrasound sensor, the ultrasound signal responsive to the ultrasound energy reflected from the area of cardiac tissue. Such embodiments can further include for each of the plurality of different areas of the cardiac tissue, associating with each area an indication of the degree to which the area of cardiac tissue was lesioned by the delivery of the ablation therapy based on the ultrasound signal and representing a map of the different areas on a display. A user input can select one of the different areas and the indication associated with the selected one area can be represented on the map. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081263 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING TRANSESOPHAGEAL CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES - An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081264 | FIBER-OPTIC FORCE SENSOR, FORCE MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND CATHETER - A fiber-optic force sensor, comprising an FBG fiber that has a force sensor region, to which bracing means to eliminate or decouple laterally effective forces and bending moments are assigned in such a way that the force sensor has a predominantly single-axis response characteristic to detect merely the magnitude of a force acting axially in the fiber direction. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081265 | VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MECHANISM - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081266 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CUTTING TISSUE - Various medical devices and methods for cutting, evacuating and/or performing work on tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081267 | ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE - An orthopedic device includes a fixator body having a first part and a second part that are connected by a joint and having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough. A first pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the first part and a second pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the second part. A first and second pin-holders are received within and threadably engage the internally threaded bore of the first part and the second part, respectively, and are configured to removably hold a first and second sets of one or more bone fixation pins extending through the first and second pairs of opposed longitudinally extending slots, respectively. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081268 | Dynamic Intramedullary Hardware - An intramedullary nail comprising an outer tubular sheath, a flexible rod and a driver element mobile within the sheath longitudinally with an engagement element formed out of the wall of the tubular sheath. After the nail has been inserted, distal end first, into the intramedullary cavity, the flexible rod is pulled, thereby engendering the driver element to advance the engagement element into the cortical bone, thus keeping the intramedullary nail in position within the intramedullary cavity. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081269 | MODULAR BONE PLATE AND MEMBER OF SUCH A MODULAR BONE PLATE - A member of a modular bone plate is provided, the member comprising a top surface defining a top plane; a bottom surface defining a bottom plane; a connection portion including a hole with a center axis that intersects the top plane and the bottom plane; wherein a first portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a projection forming a first free end of the member and wherein a second portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a groove that is configured to accommodate a projection of a connection portion of a second member of the modular bone plate. Furthermore, a modular bone plate having at least two such members is provided. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081270 | BONE GRAFT SHAPER FOR REVERSE GLENOID - An instrument for use in preparing a graft. The instrument includes at least one cutting portion configured to resect a graft section from the graft. The instrument also includes a drive portion operably coupled to the cutting portion and configured to receive a rotational force. At least one reaming portion is positioned proximally to the cutting portion, the reaming portion is configured to ream a surface of the graft. The reaming portion and the cutting portion are positioned with respect to each other such that when the instrument is positioned against the graft and the rotational force is applied to the drive portion, the cutting section rotationally forms the graft section from the graft and the reaming portion rotationally reams a proximal section of the graft. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081271 | LOW PROFILE REAMERS AND METHODS OF USE - Low profile reamers and methods of use are provided which can, in general, allow a hole to be drilled in bone. In one embodiment, a low profile retractable bone reamer is provided having an elongate shaft with a cutting element disposed on a distal end of the elongate shaft that can be configured to drill a hole in bone. The elongate shaft and cutting element can have first and second longitudinally separated portions that are movably coupled to each other. The reamer can be configured to move between a retracted configuration, in which a the reamer has a reduced, low profile configuration, and a non-retracted configuration, in which both longitudinally separated portions of the cutting element can be positioned adjacent to one another to form a single cutting element. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081272 | Method And Apparatus For Implanting A Modular Femoral Hip - A method of implanting a prosthetic component is disclosed that includes attaching a guide rod to the prosthetic component, removably coupling the guide rod to a shaft extending from a handle, and positioning the prosthetic component in an anatomical feature. The method also includes impacting an impaction portion of the handle and uncoupling the guide rod from the shaft, leaving the guide rod attached to the prosthetic component. The method further includes positioning a reamer over the guide rod to create a reamed opening in the anatomical feature. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081273 | RETROGRADE CUTTER WITH ROTATING BLADE - A cutting instrument having a body, a blade at a distal end of the body, and a mechanism for rotating the blade from a first to a second position. The instrument can be used in a method of retrograde drilling a hole in bone. The cutting instrument is provided with a mechanism (for example, a pin and a slot) that converts linear motion into rotational motion and locks the blade into position. The cutting blade is configured to engage the shaft of the instrument and to lock into the shaft. The cutting blade is articulated between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument cuts in an antegrade manner, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument cuts in a retrograde manner. The cutter instrument may also include a button mechanism for controlling the linear movement. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081274 | HYBRID FEMORAL HIP STEM BROACH - An instrument for preparing bone. The instrument includes a medial side having a plurality of extraction teeth extending over at least a portion of the medial side and an anterior side having a plurality of compaction teeth extending over at least a portion of the anterior side. The instrument further includes a lateral side having a plurality of extraction teeth extending over at least a portion of the lateral side and a posterior side having a plurality of compaction teeth extending over at least a portion of the anterior side. The medial side and lateral side also include a plurality of chip breakers extending over at least one of the plurality of extraction teeth, the chip breakers sized and shaped so as to evacuate bone from the instrument. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081275 | Patient-Specific Orthopedic Instruments - A method of preparing a distal femur for a knee joint implant includes mounting a patient-specific bone engagement surface of a femoral alignment guide on a complementary surface of a distal femur of a patient. A plurality of alignment pins is inserted through a corresponding plurality of guiding bores of the femoral alignment guide into the distal femur. A cutting guide is mounted on first and second alignment pins of the plurality of alignment pins, and a first resection of the distal femur is made using the cutting guide while cutting through the femoral alignment guide. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081276 | CROSS PINNING GUIDE DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices are provided for implanting a cross-pin through a bone tunnel, such as in an arthroscopic surgical procedure. In general, the methods and devices allow a cross-pin hole to be formed in a medial side of a knee bone such that it intersects a bone tunnel formed in the knee bone. In one embodiment, a cross-pinning guide device is provided that can be configured to angularly position the cross-pin hole relative to the bone tunnel to allow the cross-pin hole to intersect the bone tunnel without passing through another side, e.g., a lateral side, of the knee bone. The knee bone can be a femur or a tibia such that the cross-pin hole and the bone tunnel can each be entirely formed in the femur or in the tibia. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081277 | UNICOMPARTMENTAL CUSTOMIZED ARTHROPLASTY CUTTING JIGS - Disclosed herein are unicompartmental femoral and tibial arthroplasty jigs for respectively assisting in the performance of unicompartmental femoral and tibial arthroplasty procedures on femoral and tibial arthroplasty target regions. The femoral and tibial unicompartmental arthroplasty jigs each include a first side, a second side and a mating surface. Each second side is generally opposite its respective first side. For the femoral jig, the mating surface is in the first side of the femoral jig and configured to matingly receive and contact a generally planar area of an anterior side of a femoral shaft generally proximal of the patellar facet boarder and generally distal an articularis genu. The first side of the femoral jig is configured to be oriented towards the femoral arthroplasty target region surface when the mating surface of the femoral jig matingly receives and contacts the planar area. For the tibial jig, the mating surface of the tibial jig is in the first side and configured to matingly receive and contact a generally planar area of an anterior side of a tibial shaft distal of the tibial plateau edge and generally proximal of the tibial tuberosity. The first side of the tibial jig is configured to be oriented towards the tibial arthroplasty target region surface when the mating surface of the tibial jig matingly receives and contacts the planar area. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081278 | ACETABULAR CUP INSERTER HANDLE - Disclosed is an acetabular positioning and insertion instrument. Additionally, a method of positioning an acetabular prosthesis with an insertion instrument is disclosed. The positioning instrument can include engaging members to contact an acetabular prosthesis and holding it relative to a portion of the instrument for both rotational and positioning of the prosthesis. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081279 | FUSION CAGE WITH COMBINED BIOLOGICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081280 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING CEMENT PASTE INTO A BONE CAVITY - The present invention is related to a technique for simultaneously forming a plurality of paste filled tunnels. The plurality of paste filled tunnels are connected to a surgical tube directly or indirectly and emptied one after another, until a desired amount of the paste is injected into a bone cavity, organ or a tissue via the surgical tube. The paste may be a bone cement paste, a drug powder paste, viscous fluid or gel. The injected bone cement paste will set in the bone cavity to act as a medical implant. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081281 | Multihole Drill Sleeve with Protection Sleeve - An aiming device for bone fixation includes (a) a handle extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, (b) a guide arm connected to the second end of the handle and having an opening extending therethrough, the guide arm being connected to a protection sleeve; and (c) a drill guide configured and dimensioned for insertion through the opening of the guide arm. The drill guide has first and second guide channels extending therethrough to guide an insertion of a guide wire into a bone. The drill guide is movable between a first position wherein the drill guide is axially and rotationally movable relative to the guide arm to a second position wherein the drill guide is axially and rotationally locked relative to the guide arm. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081282 | Method And Apparatus For Implanting A Prosthesis - Disclosed is a system for engaging a prosthesis and for implanting the same. The system can include a component or plurality of components to engage an acetabular prosthesis in both rotational and axial fixation. A method of using the insertion assembly is also disclosed. In addition, a method of assembling, disassembling, and cleaning the insertion assembly is disclosed. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081283 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR ACETABULAR CUP IMPLANTATION - A surgical instrument for acetabular cup implantation includes an acetabular cup, a shell body and a drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a drive rod and a handle bar. The handle bar engages the pivot for angular displacement having forward position and backward position. In the forward position the drive rod rotates the acetabular cup forward, and in the backward position the drive rod shifts backward resulting in the acetabular cup engaged the extension portion. Accordingly, the operator rotates the handle bar to control the acetabular cup inserting into the position of acetabulum. The rotation of the handle bar results in the gripping or releasing of the acetabular cup or insert from the invention. Thus the invention provides a clear and ergonomic instrument for medical personnel concerning the operation of acetabular cup implantation. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081284 | Intraocular Lens Inserting Instrument - An intraocular lens inserting instrument ( | 2014-03-20 |
20140081285 | Method and Devices for Implantation of Biologic Constructs - Seal systems and devices for delivering a biologic construct repair for shoulder and joint surgery into an arthroscopic workspace, including a pinch to open seal that uses fluid pressure to self-seal against a curved surface when closed. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081286 | Surgical Disc Removal Tool - The disclosure provides a tissue removal device including customizable tips. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft and a threaded shaft. One aspect of disclosure may include a shaft cutting tool that emerges from the end of the outer shaft. Another aspect of the disclosure may include a flexible cutting blade extending from the threaded shaft. Threaded shaft may be driven by a driving mechanism in order to provide an auger-like suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue to a collection chamber that is coupled to the outer shaft and the threaded shaft. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081287 | CLOSED SYSTEM PNEUMATIC IMPACT LITHOTRIPSY - A method for removing uroliths from the urinary bladder of a non-human, non-laboratory animal, comprising: (a) inserting a collapsed retrieval pouch through the urethra and into the bladder; (b) opening the retrieval pouch in the bladder; (c) identifying a urolith transrectally, and placing the urolith into the opened retrieval pouch by transrectal manipulation; (d) fragmenting the urolith while the urolith is in the opened retrieval pouch; (e) flushing the fragments of the urolith out of the pouch; and then (f) removing the retrieval pouch from the bladder. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081288 | ULTRASOUND CATHETER DEVICES AND METHODS - Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, an ultrasound catheter device includes an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. A proximal housing of the catheter device may include one or more features for dissipating heat from the ultrasound transmission wire, such as a fluid inlet aperture for passage of fluid, use of heat conductive materials in the proximal housing, surface features to increase the housing's surface area, heat conductive members disposed adjacent the transmission member and the like. Various irrigation fluids may be used, such as cooled, oxygen supersaturated or lubricious fluids. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081289 | LEAD REMOVAL SLEEVE - Methods and systems for removing an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a lead removal sleeve is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a dilation engagement point. The lead removal sleeve is configured to dilate the formed tissue around a lead, while providing an inner lumen with clearance for the lead to move within the sleeve. It is an object of the lead removal sleeve to support the formed tissue, and even forces of the formed tissue, with a structure of the sleeve as the lead is removed from a patient. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081290 | Robotically controlled catheter and method of its calibration - A method of calibrating a robotic device, such as a cardiac catheter, includes oscillating the device on an actuation axis by applying an oscillation vector at an oscillation frequency. While oscillating, a location of the device is periodically measured to generate a plurality of location data points, which may express the location of the device relative to a plurality of measurement axes. The location data points are then processed using a signal processing algorithm, such as a Fourier transform algorithm, to derive a transfer function relating a position of the device to a movement vector for the actuation axis. The transfer function may be resolved into and expressed as a calibration vector for the actuation axis, which may include one or more components, including zero components, directed along each of the measurement axes. The process may be repeated for any actuation axes on which calibration is desired. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081291 | COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SYSTEM FOR MAGNETIC NAVIGATION - For an improved use even with medical imaging a comprehensive medical system for magnetic navigation of an object with a magnetic element within a human body is provided, having a magnet apparatus for generating a variable magnetic field in the region of the object, wherein the magnet apparatus has a plurality of electromagnets, which electromagnets are disposed in a flexibly-embodied net type structure, which net-type structure is especially able to be disposed directly on the body such that it surrounds the object on four sides. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081292 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081293 | ENDOLUMENAL RESTRICTION METHOD AND APPARATUS - An apparatus and method for non-surgically creating a restriction in a tissue is provided where a binding mechanism is inserted into the tissue. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for creating a stoma of a variable and reproducible size in a hollow organ. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081294 | LIGATOR AND METHOD OF USE - A ligating apparatus and method. One embodiment includes a barrel-shaped ligator attached to the penetrating end of a structure, such as an endoscope, and cord pulling assembly at the opposed end of the structure. In the case of use with an endoscope, a pullable cord is wound on the cord pulling assembly and then extends through a working channel in the endoscope to penetrate the ligator. The barrel-shaped ligator is coaxial with the penetrating end of the endoscope, and a practitioner can look through the operating end of the endoscope and see through the endoscope and ligator to observe flesh, for example, in front of the ligating end of the ligator. The ligator includes coaxial inner and outer barrels that rotate with respect to each other upon pulling of the cord by the cord pulling assembly. This relative rotation causes one barrel to move laterally with respect to the other barrel and eject a ligature from the ligating end of the ligator. The cord pulling assembly is mounted and held in place on the endoscope by opposed arcuate arms and a transverse removable pin. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081295 | Microadhesive Mesh And Sutures - An adhesive surface comprises at least a nanoparticle coating, a metallic coating, or a fiber with a micro/nano patterned topology. The adhesive surface is adhesive to tissue in a living body. The nanoparticle coating may be metallic. In some embodiments, the adhesive surface constitutes one or more elements of a bandage or surgical mesh, is a surface of a suture, or is sized, shaped, and configured for surgical application in a body. The surface or fiber may further comprise or be encased in a dissolvable coating, such as a polysaccharide, oligosaccharide, or sucrose. The fiber may have a surface that is patterned in topological relief, such as ridges in various orientations, cylindrical protrusions substantially normal the fiber surface, undulations of the fiber surface, or random asperities of the fiber surface. The patterning may be less than 700 nm or greater than 10 microns. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081296 | SPACER FABRIC MESH FOR USE IN TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS - A spacer fabric mesh comprising:
| 2014-03-20 |
20140081297 | BIODEGRADABLE NERVE GUIDES - The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081298 | ROTATIONAL ATHERECTOMY DEVICE WITH A SYSTEM OF ECCENTRIC ABRADING HEADS - The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with a system of eccentric abrading heads attached thereto. At least part of the eccentric enlarged abrading heads in the system have a tissue removing surface—the abrading heads may be at least partially hollow. Preferably the abrading heads have centers of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, facilitating the ability of the system of abrading heads to work together to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter larger than the outer resting diameter of the abrading heads when operated at high speeds. Therefore, certain embodiments comprise a system having unbalanced centers of mass to not only stimulate greater rotational diameters but also arranged in a manner whereby a debris-removing augering effect occurs. Other embodiments may comprise systems having abrading heads with balanced centers of mass. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081299 | Micromachined Ultrasonic Scalpel with Embedded Piezoelectric Actuator - An ultrasonic core including a longitudinally elongated, generally planar waveguide defining an aperture extending from a first side of the waveguide toward a medial plane of the waveguide, and having a transducer element sized and shaped so as to substantially conform to the size and shape of the aperture and to be at least partially embedded within the waveguide. In other aspects, an ultrasonic core including a longitudinally elongated, generally planar silicon waveguide having at least one transducer element secured thereto and a wedge-shaped acoustic horn including an inclined side surface, characterized in that the inclined side surface is oriented along the {1,1,1} crystallographic plane of the silicon material. Also, methods of manufacturing the respective ultrasonic cores and ultrasonic handpieces for an ultrasonic surgical instruments incorporating such cores. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081300 | THERAPEUTIC PROBE FOR TREATING TISSUE USING FOCUSED INTERSECTING ULTRASONIC WAVES - The invention relates to a therapeutic probe comprising a transducer ( | 2014-03-20 |
20140081301 | NERVE MODULATION SYSTEM - Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include a first elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having at least one nerve modulation element disposed adjacent the distal end. The nerve modulation element may be positioned or moveable to target a particular tissue region. The nerve modulation element may be an ultrasound transducer. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081302 | METHOD FOR ABLATING BODY TISSUE - A cardiac ablation method including the following steps: inserting a treatment catheter into an atrium of a heart, the treatment catheter including an ultrasound emitter; positioning the ultrasound emitter to face heart tissue within the left atrium outside of a pulmonary vein; emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitter while rotating the ultrasound emitter about a rotation axis; and ablating heart tissue with the ultrasound energy to form a lesion outside of a pulmonary vein. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081303 | TISSUE SLITTING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081304 | TISSUE SLITTING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081305 | Hollow Organ Coring Tool with Collapsing Anvil and Method of Use - A coring tool for creating a hole in a body vessel or hollow organ. The coring tool includes an expandable anvil against which the cutter can be advanced following passage of the collapsed anvil through the tissue to be excised and subsequent expansion of the anvil. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081306 | TISSUE SLITTING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081307 | Medical Instrument with Suction - Surgical instruments for dissection and retraction, providing suction to remove fluids, smoke and debris at the site of a surgical procedure. A surgical dissector/retractor having a handle and head with a suction channel passing within the dissector/retractor. The dissector/retractor includes a smooth leading edge and a suction port on a top surface of the head. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081308 | PULMONARY OCCLUSAL STENT DELIVERY CATHETER, LOADING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - Methods, systems and devices are provided for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081309 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGE-GUIDED ARTHROSCOPY - Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical diagnoses and interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies comprising one or more imaging devices, and one or more remote retraction and distraction devices. Retraction and distraction devices, such as balloons, mechanical retraction members, and/or trocar screw geometries may be utilized to access, investigate, and intervene at the joint capsule, or inside of the joint capsule. Imaging devices, such as optical image capture devices, ultrasound transducers, and optical coherence tomography fibers, may be utilized to assist with navigation of the pertinent tools during diagnostic and interventional steps. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081310 | ROBUST MULTI-LAYER BALLOON - A multilayer balloon catheter is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer layer is adapted to resist shredding and premature rupture. The outer layer is formed of a material having a glass transition temperature that is lower than the transition or melting temperature of the inner layer. By forming the balloon on a mold at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the outer layer and the glass transition or melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer will undergo a thermal relaxation that will alleviate some of the axial orientation of the polymer chains that develop during the formation of the multilayer balloon. This relaxation leads to a resistance to shredding when the balloon is expanded during operation. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081311 | DEVICE FOR PROTECTING HEMORRHOIDS - A device and system for reducing pain, bleeding and/or distension of hemorrhoids during defecation is provided. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081312 | TORQUE MECHANISM ACTUATED BIOABSORBABLE VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE - Embodiments of the present disclosure include medical devices and methods including a medical device including: an elongate core element, and a generally tubular torsion element surrounding the core element and capable of transmitting torque along its length. The torsion element has a spiral incision that has a proximal end and a distal end. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081313 | EMBOLIC COILS AND RELATED COMPONENTS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Embolic coils, and related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081314 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING AN IMPLANT WITHOUT BIAS TO A LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE - An implant delivery system, comprising: an implantable device comprising a plurality of supports extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the supports being moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, a proximal guide tube at the proximal end of the supports extending toward the distal end, and a distal guide tube at the distal end of the supports extending toward the proximal end, wherein the proximal and distal guide tubes are telescoping and become further engaged as the supports move from the collapsed to the expanded configuration. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081315 | Multi-Layer Filtration Device - A filter device assembly and a method of using such a device to capture and remove embolic material from a body lumen or blood vessel is provided. The filter device assembly generally comprises a structure having a collapsed state and an expanded state with first, second, and optionally N additional filter members circumferentially attached thereto. Each filter member forms an annulus chamber with the first filter member having porosity P | 2014-03-20 |
20140081316 | Removable Embolus Blood Clot Filter and Filter Delivery Unit - A blood filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081317 | REMOVABLE MEDICAL DEVICE IMPLANTABLE IN BLOOD VESSELS, PARTICULARLY IN THE THORACIC AORTA WITH ANEURYSM - A removable implantable medical device for the endovascular treatment of aneurysm, particularly of aneurysm of the thoracic aorta, comprising a supporting structure tubular in shape and covered externally by a covering. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081318 | TISSUE CLOSURE DEVICES, DEVICE AND SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERY, KITS AND METHODS THEREFOR - The present invention relates to tissue closure devices, devices and systems for delivery, kits and methods therefor. The tissue closure devices can achieve tissue closure in lieu of compression and can be configured to be quickly deployable by an introducer or from outside the body. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081319 | Implantable biodegradable wound closure device. - A biodegradable device for maintaining the alignment of the edges of a trocar defect, consisting of two bases joined by a connector, a first base to be positioned below the defect and a second base above. The first base has a threaded hole from its upper surface but not through the lower surface. The connector attached to the bases such that there is a hole aligned with the threaded hole in the first base allowing a device to mate with the threads in the first base. The second base has a hole aligned with the hole in the connector and wide enough to allow a device to mate with the threads in the first base. The device is arranged so the distance between the lower surface of the second base and upper surface of the first base holds but does not compress the fascia around the trocar defect. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081320 | SUTURE LEADER - Methods and devices are provided for securing tissue to bone. In general, a suture leader can have leading and trailing ends, and an inner passageway configured to receive a strand of suture therein. More specifically, the trailing end of the leader can be configured to receive the strand of suture therein to form an overlapping region of suture leader and suture. When the suture is positioned in the leader, an outer diameter of the leading end of the leader can be less than an outer diameter of the over lapping region. The leader can have a lower bending stiffness than the suture so that the leader can be more easily folded into a bend. In certain aspects, the suture leader can be formed from a substantially flexible, braided material so that the leader can be configured to contract when a pulling force is applied to the leader. In another embodiment, the suture leader can have a pre-formed crease configured to mate with a threading tool. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081321 | BARBED SUTURES HAVING CONTOURED BARBS THAT FACILITATE PASSAGE THROUGH TISSUE AND INCREASE HOLDING STRENGTH - A wound closure device includes a filamentary element having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of barbs extending outwardly from the filamentary element. Each barb has a base connected with the filamentary element, a tip spaced from the base, and an outer edge that extends between the base and the tip. The outer edge includes a first section having a concave surface that extends between the base and a transition point of the barb and a second section having a convex surface that extends between the transition point of the barb and the tip of the barb. The outer edge transforms from the concave surface of the first section to the convex curve of the second section at the transition point of the barb. The tip of the barb has a convexly curved surface facing the distal end of the filamentary element. The unique dual radius shape of the outer edge of the barbs and the tips of the barbs minimizes resistance when the filamentary element is pulled in a first direction through tissue and maximizes resistance to movement when the filamentary element is pulled in an opposite, second direction through tissue for holding the wound closure device stationary. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081322 | Methods and devices for threading sutures - Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081323 | ANTI-BACKUP SUTURE ANCHOR - Devices and methods are provided herein that generally involve suture anchors having one or more anti-backup features configured to resist or prevent backward movement of a suture that is pulled through the suture anchor. In some embodiments, the suture anchor can be configured to permit a suture to slide freely in one direction but resist or prevent suture movement in the opposite direction. For example, cleats can be rotatably mounted within the suture anchor, can project radially outward from an exterior sidewall of the suture anchor, or can project circumferentially from sidewalls of one or more channels formed in the suture anchor's exterior surface. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081324 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR SECURING TISSUE USING HARD ANCHORS - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081325 | SELF-CINCHING SUTURE ANCHORS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Various self-cinching suture anchors, self-cinching suture anchor systems, and methods of use are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be received within the outer member. The inner and outer members can define a gap that allows a suture to be movably disposed within the outer member, e.g., within the gap, when the inner member is disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be configured to be secured within the outer member by a knot of the suture having a diameter greater than a width of the gap so as to fix the inner member within the outer member, while still allowing uni-directional tensioning of the suture. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081326 | THREAD-FIXING TOOL - A thread-fixing tool includes a first member in which a lumen opened at an end surface through which a suture thread is inserted, and a communication path having a first end opened at the end surface and a second end in communication with an intermediate portion of the lumen are formed, and a second member having a shaft portion inserted into the communication path of the first member, and a pressing portion which is formed at a distal portion of the shaft portion and which is capable of deforming outwardly in a radial direction of the shaft portion, wherein the pressing portion is guided to the intermediate portion of the lumen through the communication path, and deformed in a direction crossing an insertion direction of the suture thread to push the suture thread against an inner wall of the lumen. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081327 | FLAT SUTURE ANCHOR - A suture anchor for anchoring a suture to a bone, including a distal end having a bifurcated tip, in which the bifurcated tip defines a suture-engaging slot, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis between the distal end and the proximal end, and two substantially flat surfaces extending between the distal end and the proximal end, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are substantially parallel, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are separated by a thickness of no more than about 0.1 inches, and in which the two substantially flat surfaces extend along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a width of no more than about 0.4 inches. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081328 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone are disclosed herein. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081329 | TISSUE ANCHOR APPLICATOR - A tissue anchor applicator includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. The first jaw member includes a pair of spaced-apart arms configured to releasably retain a fastening member thereon. The second jaw member is configured for releasably retaining an anchor member thereon. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable with respect to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for securing tissue between the fastening member and the anchor member. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081330 | Crossbar Spinal Prosthesis Having A Modular Design and Related ImplantationMethods - Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements. The prosthesis can include a crossbar having first and second ends. A first caudal prosthesis can be attached to the first end of the crossbar, while a second caudal prosthesis can be attached to the second end of the crossbar. A first crossbar mount can be positioned on the crossbar near the first caudal prosthesis, while a second crossbar mount can be positioned on the crossbar near the second caudal prosthesis. A first cephalad prosthesis can extend from the first crossbar mount, while a second cephalad prosthesis can extend from the second crossbar mount. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081331 | Spinous Process Fixation System and Methods Thereof - An implantable device may comprise a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further comprise a first plate and a second plate. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081332 | SPACER INSERTION INSTRUMENT - A percutaneous and minimally invasive instrument for inserting an interspinous process spacer into a patient is disclosed. The insertion instrument includes a first assembly connected to a handle assembly. The first assembly includes an inner shaft located inside an outer shaft and configured for relative translational motion with respect to the outer shaft. The relative translational motion causes one of the outer or inner shafts to move with respect to the other and thereby deflect at least one prong formed on one of the inner or outer shafts wherein such deflection causes engagement with a juxtapositioned interspinous spacer. The instrument further includes a driving tool configured for removable insertion into a proximal end of a passageway of the instrument. The driving tool has a distal spacer engaging portion configured to engage that part of the spacer requiring activation for deployment of the spacer from at least one undeployed configuration to at least one deployed configuration and vice versa. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081333 | Dynamic stabilization medical implant assembles and methods - Bone screw assemblies include longitudinal connecting members that provide for dynamic stabilization, some including non-uniform portions that are configured to flex, contract or expand. Composite longitudinal connecting members include longitudinal segments made from different materials having different flexibilities. Polyaxial bone screw assemblies include change-out receivers for cooperating with replacement longitudinal connecting members having a different flexibility. Bone screw shanks for cooperating with one or more open receivers include treatment or coating to provide biologically active interface with bone. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081334 | SPLAY CONTROL CLOSURE FOR OPEN BONE ANCHOR - Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081335 | ANTI-SPLAY MEDICAL IMPLANT CLOSURE WITH MULTI-SURFACE REMOVAL APERTURE - A convex spinal fusion interbody space device includes spaced apart superior and inferior abutment surfaces which are effectively medially convex. The peak of such convexity is displaced anteriorly of a central plane through the device. The spacer device has a height which is greater than the width of the device. The spacer device is implanted between a pair of adjacent vertebrae by insertion in a tipped-over orientation and then reoriented to an upright orientation for engagement by facing surfaces of the vertebrae. Fusion promoting bone material is packed between the vertebrae and about and within the spacer device subsequent to implantation. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081336 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING BONE DEFORMITIES - The present invention is a method and device for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a plate body with winged buttresses and dorsal loop. The method and device can be affixed to a bone without any drilling or violating of the bone and can use a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the second metatarsal, nor does it require the placement of a prominent suture knot/button device medially along the first metatarsal. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081337 | STERNAL PLATE TYPE STERNAL CLOSURE COMPRISING AN INTEGRAL SEVERING SITE MEMBER - The invention relates to a sternal closure for closing a cleft in a sternum, wherein in each of a first and a second securing area at least one hole is provided for receiving bone screws, the two securing areas being adapted to be screwed on each side of the cleft, wherein a severing site member joining the two securing areas and being integrally connected thereto is provided. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081338 | BONE SCREW - A bone screw is created, with a thread section ( | 2014-03-20 |
20140081339 | ANCHOR HAVING A CONTROLLED DRIVER ORIENTATION - The present disclosure relates to an interference screw having a body with a proximal end, distal end, and longitudinal axis extending between thereinbetween. The screw further includes threads for fixing the screw into bone. The screw further includes a through bore defined by the body. The through bore extends between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis, and has a surface. The screw further includes a controlling member formed by the through bore surface. To install the screw into bone, a surgeon turns the screw with a driver that engages with the controlling member. The driver only engages the controlling member when it is in a driving orientation with respect to the controlling member. Advantageously, with this “one-way” engagement the surgeon can control and confirm the orientation of the driver without seeing the driver and/or screw. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081340 | Apparatus And Method For Sternal Closure - The present disclosure provides a sternal closure fixation device. The fixation device includes a first sternum implant disposable within an interior cavity of a first half of a severed sternum such that the first implant contacts opposing anterior and posterior faces of the cavity. The fixation device additionally includes, a second sternum implant disposable within an interior cavity of a second half of a severed sternum such that the second implant contacts opposing anterior and posterior faces of the cavity. Furthermore, the fixation device includes a rigid fixation pin sized and structured to be disposed within an internal bore of the first implant and within an internal bore of the second implant, whereby when the first and second halves of the severed sternum are joined together, the first and second halves of the sternum are prevented from shear movement in any direction relative to each other. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081341 | BONE FIXATION GUIDE DEVICE - A bone fixation guide device is adapted for fixing a bone plate on a bone, wherein the bone plate has at least two screw holes. The bone fixation guide device includes: a handheld holder having a through hole; a first guide sleeve having a guide hole, adapted for passing through the through hole of the handheld holder, and fixed to the bone plate; and a guide plate having a fixing portion and at least two openings, the fixing portion adapted for being assembled on the first guide sleeve, whereby the guide plate is disposed on the handheld holder, wherein the screw holes of the bone plate correspond to the openings of the guide plate. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081342 | GUIDE FOR ASSISTING WITH ARRANGEMENT OF A STOCK INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO A PATIENT TISSUE - A stock instrument includes at least one guide interacting feature. A lower instrument surface of the stock instrument is placed into contact with the patient tissue. A guide has a lower guide surface contoured to substantially mate with at least a portion of an upper instrument surface of the stock instrument. A predetermined instrument orientation upon the patient tissue is defined, which is preselected responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. The guide and instrument are mated in a predetermined relative guide/instrument orientation wherein at least one guide interacting feature of the instrument is placed into engagement with at least one instrument guiding feature of the guide. The guide is moved into a predetermined guide orientation with respect to the patient tissue and concurrently the instrument is moved into a predetermined instrument orientation with respect to the patient tissue. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081343 | FASTENING SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL FIXATION - A bone fracture fixation system comprises a bone plate configured to bear against a proximal surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated tension elements, each sized to pass through an opening in the bone plate and through the bone from the proximal surface to a distal surface thereof. Each tension element is anchored to the bone and maintained in tension by a distal anchor attached to said tension element and configured to engage the distal surface of the bone and a proximal anchor engageable between the bone plate and the tension element. In one method for fixation of a bone fracture, the bone plate is positioned on a proximal surface of the bone while the tension element is introduced into the bone and through an opening in the bone plate from an opposite distal surface of the bone. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081344 | CARDIAC WAVEFORM TEMPLATE CREATION, MAINTENANCE AND USE - The present disclosure describes methods, devices, and systems for generating, adjusting, and using cardiac waveform morphology templates. The morphology templates include target regions associated with features of cardiac waveforms. The target regions may be adjusted based on relationships between the target regions and features of detected cardiac waveforms associated with the target regions. The templates may be used to analyze cardiac waveforms to classify or monitor various waveform morphologies. Templates may be created or eliminated, for instance, based on a frequency of use. According to one approach, template creation involves providing target regions defined by one or more characteristics. The target regions are adjusted based on detected cardiac waveform features having similar characteristics. A template may be created using the target regions adjusted by this process. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081345 | METHOD FOR TREATING HYPERTENSION VIA ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF NEURAL STRUCTURES - A neuromodulation system comprises a sensor configured for sensing a blood pressure of a patient, modulation output circuitry configured for conveying electrical modulation energy to at least one electrode, and a controller/processor coupled to the sensor and the modulation output circuitry. The controller/processor is configured for comparing the blood pressure sensed by the sensor to a first threshold blood pressure, and instructing the modulation output circuitry to convey the electrical modulation energy to the at least one electrode if the sensed blood pressure is greater than the first threshold blood pressure. A method for treating chronic hypertension comprises applying electrical modulation energy to a neural target site, thereby modulating an afferent nerve innervating a patient's kidney, thereby treating the chronic hypertension. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081346 | VESTIBULAR PROSTHESIS - A vestibular prosthesis includes micro-electric-mechanical (MEMS) sensors, gyroscopes in each sensitivity axis (X, Y, Z), accelerometers in each sensitivity axis (X, Y, Z) to detect an angular and linear movement providing displacement measurements, gyroscopes in each one of the spatial axes (X, Y, Z), a microprocessor connected to the MEMS sensors and producing an electric pulse pattern or a continuous galvanic current pattern, a conditioning unit that amplifies and conditions the microprocessor output to apply current to the stimulation electrodes, the microcontroller being configured to determine the displacement of the cupula and the otolithic mass, determine a membrane potential as a result of a displacement detected by the MEMS sensors by means of determining a transduction current, and determine an action potential discharge pattern for the primary afferent neuron, which synapses with the hair cell by means of a mathematical model of the informative process of the vestibular mechanoreceptor. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081347 | ASSESSING COGNITIVE DISORDERS BASED ON NON-MOTOR EPILEPTIFORM BIOELECTRICAL BRAIN ACTIVITY - Various embodiments concern assessing a degenerative cognitive disorder of a patient based on a plurality of episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. The non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity can be detected from one or more bioelectrical brain signals. A worsening cognitive disorder may be indicated by an increase in one or more of intensity, duration, and frequency of occurrence of the episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. A therapy can be delivered to reduce one or more of intensity, duration, and frequency of occurrence of the episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. The delivery of the therapy can be controlled based on the plurality of episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081348 | LOW-FREQUENCY STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Described here are devices and methods for delivering a low-frequency stimulation signal to tissue. In some variations, the low-frequency stimulation signal is delivered using one or more stimulation sequences, in which the low-frequency stimulation is sequentially delivered to a plurality of stimulation pathways. The stimulation pathways may comprise one or more monopolar stimulation pathways and/or one or more bipolar stimulation pathways. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081349 | METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY MODULATING NEURAL ELEMENTS IN THE DORSAL HORN - A method of providing therapy to a patient. The method comprises conveying pulsed electrical current at a defined pulse width and a defined pulse rate into spinal cord tissue. The defined pulse width is equal to or less than 200 μs, and the defined pulse rate is less than 1500 Hz, such that neural elements in the dorsal horn are modulated and/or the patient does not perceive paresthesia during the conveyance of the pulsed electrical current into the spinal cord tissue. | 2014-03-20 |